Li Linfu

Li Linfu (died 3 January 753) was Chancellor of Tang China from 734 to 752.

Biography
Li Linfu was the great-grandson of the cousin of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, the founder of the Tang dynasty of China. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Linfu served on the staff of the crown prince, and he befriended many important eunuchs and rose to be Chancellor of Tang China in 734. He took over the country in 736 AD as Emperor Xuanzong became more influenced in religion and romance than with ruling. In 742 AD, Li Linfu conducted a series of purges against the most talented potential adversaries at court, and, by 747 AD, he was the de facto dictator. He also exclusively employed non-Chinese generals as military governors, ensuring that no political rivals could command armies. One of these generals was An Lushan, who allied with Li Linfu. However, Emperor Xuanzong's concubine had her cousin Yang Guozhong promoted at the court, and he allied with Li Linfu's rivals. Li Linfu died in 753 AD, leading to An Lushan rebelling against Yang Guozhong and the Imperial Court.